China on Tuesday voiced its appreciation of the efforts made by the African Union (AU) to end the crisis in war-torn Libya.

“We have noted the diplomatic efforts by the AU mediators in Libya in the recent days and the roadmap they proposed to end the crisis,” Hong Lei, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a routine press conference.

Hong praised the efforts and expressed his hope that the involved parties could reach a cease fire at an early date and resolve the crisis through such peaceful means as dialogue and negotiation.

“Members of the international community should also step up their efforts to promote negotiation and restore peace,” the spokesman said.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday agreed to end conflicts and open political dialogues with rebels. However, the initiative of the AU was rejected by the Libyan rebels on Monday because it did not include the ouster of Gaddafi and his family.